River City, the first private sector development in Waterfront Toronto's West Don Lands, is well underway. Winner of BILD's 2010 Best Design Award, River City is a LEED Gold development to be completed in four phases. It will include 850 residential units of condominiums, as well as boutiques, stores and restaurants, surrounded by the 17-acre Don River Park. 

Developed by Urban Capital Property Group and designed by Saucier + Perrotte Architects, Phase 1 of the condo development includes six- and 16-storey buildings, one on King Street East and the other on the east side of River Street. Their dark cladding and bold forms harken back to the industrial past of the location along the mouth of the Don River.

River City, Phase 1, image by TOCondoGarden

Each building is to have soaring lobbies and will be connected with a three-storey enclosed bridge.

Nestled between the darker, more industrial buildings of Phase 1 and 3, the sleek white design of Phase 2 will stand out. Three 12-storey glass mini-towers will be connected on each floor with glass-panelled passageways. Named "The Jewel of River City," the three tall and narrow buildings will be clad in translucent and white materials, with units jutting out in modernist box shapes.

Phase 2 amenities include a two-storey lounge and party room with a kitchen, bar and lounge areas, plus billiards and screening rooms and two fitness centres. In addition, Phase 2 will share a courtyard, with an undulating landscape, a floating deck, heated pool and dining area with Phase 1. 

River City Condos, image by Urban Capital Property Group

Construction of the second phase of River City is to begin soon and registration has already begun. Occupancy for Phase 1 is slated for 2013 and for Phase 2, the spring of 2014.